Raffles’ Long Bar to close for refurbishment

A series of cocktail events honouring the Singapore Sling will be held in February as Raffles closes its Long Bar for refurbishment.

From 10-12 February, the Long Bar will host bartenders from across Singapore to create cocktails in honour of the Singapore Sling before the historic watering hole closes down.

Fans of the iconic Singapore cocktail will be able to sample the original and spin-off versions over the three days, while taking part in the tradition of throwing peanut shells on the floor.

The Singapore Sling is a gin-based cocktail created by Ngiam Tong Boon, a Hainanese bartender working at the Long Bar in the mid 1910s. It was initially called the gin sling and was made of mixing two measures of gin with one of cherry brandy and then one each of orange, pineapple and lime juice.

Bartenders at Singapore’s famous 28 HongKong Street, Operation Dagger and Manhattan bars will also continue the festivities at their own events from 10-12 February in the evening.

The Long Bar will close down on 13 February and is due to reopen in the second quarter of 2018, following extensive refurbishment, as part of Raffles’ continuing restoration.